Tributes have been paid to a young teenager from Co Tyrone who has lost his battle with cancer.

14-year-old Brendan McGlone, from Caledon, Co Tyrone was diagnosed with stem cell leukaemia in September last year and in January travelled to Bristol for a bone marrow transplant.

A Facebook page set up to support Brendan during his illness broke the news late last night that Brendan had "passed away peacefully".

A passionate sport fan, during his illness Brendan was visited in hospital by a number of big names from the Irish sporting world.

Tyrone’s legendary All-Ireland winning captain Peter Canavan, Belfast Olympic boxer Paddy Barnes and Rugby star Tommy Bowe are just some of the high profile sporting names to take the time to visit the teenager during his illness.

Boxer Paddy Barnes said he was sad to learn of the young teenagers death.

He tweeted: "Terrible news, such a real nice kid to and glad to have met him and his mother who was a lovely woman, God love them!"

Brendan was very active on his twitter page despite his illness, his last tweet was one thanking rugby star Tommy Bowe for his visit on July 3.

Despite his illness, Brendan attended this year's Irish Open in Royal County Down.

Hundreds of people took to social media last night to leave messages expressing their sympathy with Brendan's family and friends following his passing.

GAA magazine TeamTalk Tyrone, posted a heartfelt tribute on their Facebook page to Brendan, saying the Tyrone teen had left a remarkable legacy behind for someone so young.

The tribute said: "Brendan McGlone had grace in overflowing abundance albeit in a very different and more challenging context

"He brought his love of the GAA to this new field of play. This is where he met and faced down this most belligerent of opponents. Every single minute. Day after day. Week after week.

"His personal strength and resilience was way beyond that which will ever be experienced by any of us. Challenge after challenge he met with eyes wide open and a broad smile on his face. He weaved and glided past each one of them like a player on top of his game.

"He brought a fighting spirit that inspired people far beyond the familiar hospital walls. He even found the energy needed to face down adversity and reach home in time to celebrate All Ireland glory.

"The odds were always stacked against him. Regardless of the outcome he fought on. He passed away last night with the silent dignity of a champion because that’s exactly what he was.

"By each and every definition of the phrase we now mourn the passing of a great Tyrone man.

"Brendan has now left that field but he did so without losing the battle with his opponent.

"No battle was lost here. Brendan won Life.

"That’s a pretty remarkable legacy to leave behind for someone so young."

The Tyrone GAA county board also extended their sympathy to Brendan's family.

His brother Ruairi was a member of last year's All-Ireland U21 winning team.

Posting a picture of Brendan with Ruairi and other members of the team with the cup, the county board said: "Coiste Contae Thir Eoghain extends its deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Brendan McGlone of the Aghaloo club who passed away last night.